You’ve seen the spyshots, then read up on the specs and price; now, the Isuzu MU-X has finally been launched in Malaysia. The seven-seater SUV joins the D-Max pick-up truck after 10 years of the latter being Isuzu’s sole offering over here, and it’s ready to square off with the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (and the upcoming Ford Everest) for class honours.
Two versions are offered – a 4×2 variant priced at RM151,945, and a top-of-the-range 4×4 coming in at RM164,970. Both prices are on-the-road inclusive of GST and insurance, as well as a three-year/100,000 km warranty; do note, however, that these are introductory prices set to last until end-July. Colour choices include Uluru Brown, Splash White, Titanium Silver and Cosmic Black.
No matter which model you choose, the MU-X is powered by the D-Max’s 2.5 litre VGS four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 136 PS at 3,400 rpm and 320 Nm from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm. A five-speed automatic with manual mode is standard fare.
Power is sent to either the rear wheels on 4×2 models or all four wheels on the 4×4. On the latter, there’s a Terrain Command rotary controller to switch between 2WD, 4WD and low-range.
Based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer/Holden Colorado 7 (and by extension the D-Max), the MU-X measures 4,825 mm long and 1,860 mm wide and tall, with a wheelbase of 2,845 mm – that’s larger in all dimensions than either the Fortuner or the Pajero Sport. Suspension duties are handled by independent double wishbones at the front and a five-link setup at the rear; disc brakes feature all-round.
Standard kit includes projector headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel, a large multi-info display in the instrument cluster, an integrated head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers and air-conditioning vents on all three rows (with fan speed control).
Spend the extra dosh on the 4×4 and you’ll add LED daytime running lights, 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a Blaupunkt Android-based touchscreen navigation system with DVD playback, a factory-fitted drop-down rear LCD display, a tonneau cover and a boot storage organiser box to the mix.
On the safety front, the MU-X is fitted across the range with just two airbags, but ABS with EBD and brake assist, Isofix child seat anchors on all three second-row seats and stability control are all standard fit. The electronic safety net is a particularly welcome feature, as both the Pajero Sport and the Fortuner do away with it entirely.
Want to know how the new Isuzu MU-X drives? We’ve driven it all the way up Cameron Highlands and back, and you can read our impressions here. You can also find full specifications and equipment on CarBase.my.
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Plastic overload in interior, and also very lame interior !! For that price get CX-5, CR-V or KUGA better…
offroader vs tarmac SUV..
how to compare?
offroader enthusiastic wouldnt want an offroader to come with fragile cushion like those tarmac suv.
Factory van seats better
Almera Iron Man’s theme dashboard
parttime 4wd..useless
fortuner fulltime
Fuel guzzler fortuner
Habislah Sam Loo, now there is another reason not to choose the Fortuner which lacks VSC.
Good to see Isuzu including more safety equipment in their latest model. Bravo!
No version with clutch pedal equipped?
And increase the power too. Next gen Fortuner had 160 hp (2.4L) and Pajero 178 hp (2.5L).
The asking price is a bit too ambitious. The 4×2 should have priced less than RM140k and the 4×4 RM155k.
Would rather go for something like the seven seater Hyundai Santa Fe or the upcoming improved Kia Sorento. Got six airbags sommore. The Kimchis are better to drive and more car like, safer too.
On a good note, at least the MuX got ESP, unlike its other Sushi rivals.
wiwiwiw, could u care to tell which specific sushi suv got no ESP?
its a very welcoming note to see vsc are fitted across the range. but two airbags could be improved at least with curtains airbags in my opinion. overall design is not that ‘catchy’ if i must say.
And yet again car price increase more then 10% after GST with facelift or new model…
Price aside, the interior looks to be the most bland. Add the price, I don’t think we’ll be seeing much of this car on the road.
The ladies save the day..
wow..steel timing chain and gear,and a record 1809 full tank with aircond mean 1liter of diesel can run 23.8Km what a cheap maintainanced and plus ESC electronic stabilty control and Traction Control System this is good for conering guys..sorry toyo abs is is older now..and as for toyo full time 4wd lol highway what for used of 4wd oil surely will eat it..4wd is just better for terrain or used of low gear..get the point this is why they call MUX multi utility extreme plus the passger aircond look like sit inside aeoroplane is just nice